On Friday, the Cowboys and WR Miles Austin Came to an agreement on a Tender deal, signing him to a $3.168 Million Dollar Tender. This happened on the last day of their organized mini camp workouts. Jerry has publicly stated that he wants to sign Austin to a long term deal, and with this signing of the tender it gives us more belief that the long term deal will actually happen, as I am sure we all hope for. Had they waited to get sign the tender the Cowboys could have reduced the deal to $1.65 million or just 10% of his 2009 salary. With the signing of the tender at twice the amount he could have gotten, the belief that a long term deal could happen makes me feel a whole lot better.

After not even being a starter, Austin came in the game last October and SHOCKED the NFL nation with an astounding performance, grabbing 10 catches for 150 yards and 2 scores, leading the Cowboys to the victory in overtime against the Chiefs. He ended the season with a total of 81 receptions for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The season is getting closer and I am getting more anxious to see our Cowboys be the first team in history to play the superbowl AT HOME!!!!!!!! And oh by the way, getting a new Dallas Tattoo just before the season starts and I will post pics as soon as I get it. MUAHAHAHAHAHA

On behalf of all of us here at Lone Star Struck we would like to express our sincerest condolences on the sudden passing of Chris Henry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris’ family and team at this difficult time.

The young wide receiver’s tragic death reminds us exactly how fragile life is. Henry leaves behind three young children.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.(AP)—Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry has died, one day after suffering serious injuries upon falling out of the back of a pickup truck in what authorities describe as a domestic dispute with his fiancee.

Police say Henry died at 6:36 a.m. Thursday. Henry was 26.

Away from the team because of a broken forearm, Henry was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after being found on a residential road. Police say a dispute began at a home about a half-mile away, and Henry jumped into the bed of the pickup truck as his fiancee was driving away from the residence.

Police said at some point when she was driving, Henry “came out of the back of the vehicle.”

Why is it that its drugs seem to be all these players can find to do. I mean come on find a hobby other than drugs for off-season and I know this seems like a out of this world comment to some of those NFL players but you might actually keep your job in the NFL.

Former Jaguars receiver Reggie Williams was charged with drug possession after off-duty policemen used a Taser to subdue him when he refused to leave a bar.

Houston police spokesman Kese Smith says Williams was impaired when he refused to leave a bar Sunday night. He struggled with two off-duty officers who tried to escort him out and one of them used a Taser on him.

Police say jail officials later found a small bag believed to contain cocaine in Williams’ back pocket. He was charged on Monday with possession of a controlled substance and freed after posting a $2,000 bond.

In February, the 25-year-old unrestricted free agent was arrested in Houston on DWI and possession of marijuana charges, which were later dropped. He played for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.

So here we are three days after we let Owens go, a huge mistake in my opinion. How exactly are we going to replace his offense?

Roy Williams will assume the number one spot although he has yet to prove he deserves it. He is paid like a number one receiver, but I cannot see him commanding the same respect that defenses showed Terrell.

As of right now Miles Austin is slotted as the number two receiver, with Crayton still in the three slot. Miles has game, but a number two receiver? I’m not so sure about that. Crayton is where he needs to be. He has proven he can thrive in the slot position.

Then there is Sam Hurd and Isaiah Stanback. Hurd was showing some promise in 2007, but injuries kept him from playing all of last season. Stanback in my eyes is a bust, he has shown little promise as a receiver.

Which leads me wonder, is this who Tony will throw to in 2009?

Now some might think Witten will step up another notch, but I actually think losing T.O. is going to hurt him more than any other player on this team. I have a feeling defenses will be doubling Witten and leave Roy in one on one coverage. Now if Roy can run some decent routes and make some catches it will ease the pressure off of Witten, but that remains to be seen.

Martellus Bennett could be a wild-card in all of this. If he can take the next step, he may be able to make some big plays with all the attention focused on Witten. Lets hope his mind is on the game and that he has matured in the offseason, because he has big-time talent.

Is Jerry going to add a veteran to move into the two spot? There isn’t much out there in free agency to fill the spot, Marvin Harrison maybe? Other than that, the best available WR is Bobby Engram, yikes!

There are some rumors that Torry Holt will be released and that the Browns are shopping Braylon Edwards… either of these two would fit in nicely across from Roy.

How about the draft?

Picking 51st in the draft, makes it unlikely that we will grab a receiver that can jump right into the starting lineup like a Michael Crabtree would. I have seen the name Juaquin Iglesias show up a lot in mock drafts for the Cowboys. He is a 6’0″ 205 lb. senior from Oklahoma, and has decent speed, running a 4.45 40, but jumping right in as a starter is a long shot at best .

I don’t know about you, but this Cowboys fan is extremely concerned about our receiving corps. I am hoping that Jerry Jones has something up his sleeve or it could be a very ugly season.

We’re just over two weeks away from the Big Day. Of course I’m talking about the NFL Draft starting on April 26th. I’ve written about what I think the Cowboys should concentrate on and I’ve voiced about what I consider an underrated secondary. But many Cowboys fans believe the secondary needs serious help.

Unless Dallas can trade up to get either Leodis McKelvin(Troy) or Mike Jenkins(S. Florida) then I personally believe they should concentrate on offense(RB and WR) in the 1st and grab a quality BACKUP CB in the 2nd. Although we obviously have to wonder what quality CB’s will be available by the 61st overall pick.

Let’s take a look:

Brandon Flowers/ VA Tech- It’s probably unrealistic to think he’ll be available late in the 2nd but you never know. Some consider him the hardest hitting CB coming out in this year’s draft. He’s a bit small at 5-10 and 189 and his 40 speed is a concern at 4.55 and plays reckless at times. Has been compared to Ronde Barber. As far as I know he doesn’t have a twin brother who thinks he knows everything about everything.

Reggie Smith/Oklahoma- This guy will be there late in the 2nd and I think he looks promising. At 6-1 and 199 he has size and then some. His 40 time isn’t great at 4.57 but is another explosive hitter that is rarely beat deep. Plus he has good return skills. You listening, Jerry? Wade?Anybody?

Tracy Porter/ Indiana- He has tons of speed and natural ability. He runs a 4.37 40 and has great hands. Would make an awesome return guy but I’m not sure he could be a starter on THIS defense. Not a great tackler and not very strong. He might be weak but he sure is FAST!

Just keep in mind how close this team was to beating the Giants in the playoffs. We all know that the defense stepped it up late in that game and put Romo and the boys in the position to win the game. TWICE. Sure, I agree the defense can use some tweaking. But I say those tweaks are minor.

Rookie wide receiver Isaiah Stanback had his first start in the NFL last week and ended up suffering a shoulder injury that will likely leave him out for this game. It has not been announced if Tyson Thompson will get his kick return job back or if Miles Austin will get his shot.

Rookie fullback Deon Anderson was placed on thje Injured Reserve on Monday after a season ending rotator cuff injury incurred last Sunday. FB Oliver Hoyte is expected to play after missing the last six game with a neck injury.

Safety Pat Watkins sprained his ankle last week in the fourth quarter against the Eagles and has had limited practice this week.

Anthony Henry is set to return after being out since the end of September. Henry practiced Thursday and Friday and is expected to play Sunday against the Eagles.

Terry Glenn is still not well and has yet to practice with the team. Hopes were high that he would return sometime after the Bye week but its not looking good for him. There are 9 games left so we still can’t rule him out for the year.

Oliver Hoyte and Justin Rogers are listed as probable. You may see the rookie linebacker Rogers on Special Teams Sunday. Hoyte has missed 5 games with a neck injury and probably will not see much action, if any.

Terry Glenn will continue to be out until closer to midseason, if not longer.

Greg Ellis did not practice on Thursday, and is far from being game ready.

Terence Newman is looking alot better in practice, but still limited. Wade Phillips is saying Newman is a game-time decision. If they decide to activate Newman at gametime, he will play a limited role.

Patrick Crayton dislocated his pinky finger in last week’s game. It has not caused a problem, even though for precautionary reasons he has practiced with tape and a splint. He will start on Sunday.

Its pretty much the same as last week. However, Terry Glenn opted for the arthroscopic procedure and now may be able to play sometime around midseason.

Good luck Glenn! We wish you the best with your recovery and hope to see you soon.

Terence Newman will be a gametime decision again this week. He has participated in practice this week and is showing progress. Greg Ellis on the other hand will not play, he just hasn’t practiced enough to be active in a game. He hopes to play a limited role soon and go from there.

Jason Ferguson was placed on the injured reserve list on Tuesday ending his season. He tore his right bicep during the first half of Sunday’s game. Ferguson will undergo surgery on Friday.